What got my attention first and foremost was the writing and the way the author has blended the elements of a detective/murder mystery story with a detailed, smart description of Los Angeles history and landmarks (I live in LA and enjoyed the details given as I knew they were accurate), as well as details of the different cultures of the people who live and work in the area. I would call this a "smart" or not your average detective story. And I'm def excited to read this as the story is interesting and well paced like a murder detective story but no doubt I will learn more than just about who dunnit. Also, the cover perfectly fits the opening scene you'd imagine which for me was the heat and how it relates to the landscape and the cause of death. Details. Love the small details.